You do not need a lawyer to get disability in North Carolina. However, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), 53 percent of disability claims on average have been denied. Common reasons for denials on claims include:
- Medical information is incorrect.
- Other information on the claim is inaccurate, e.g., salary information.
- The impairment is not considered severe.
- The applicant is able to perform some of their usual work or another type of work.
- Necessary information was not included in the claim.
To avoid having errors or a lack of information in your claim, you may want to hire a Social Security Disability attorney from our firm to help you apply for benefits in North Carolina. If you have already applied and were denied benefits, one of our lawyers can also guide you through the appeals process and petition for disability benefits on your behalf.
How Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help You with Your Claim
The application process for claiming Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be complex, so it is not uncommon for people to get denied on their first application. Rather than go through multiple rounds of rejection, you can opt to work with a disability lawyer from our firm and have us prepare your claim for you.
Our Social Security Disability team provides several services to help clients build and submit their claims, including:
- Reviewing your case to determine which SSD benefits program is right for you
- Collecting medical information on your behalf to include with your application
- Gathering other evidence that may be necessary for your claim, such as employment information, eyewitness testimony, and medical expert testimony
- Filling out forms on your behalf and proofreading them to ensure they are accurate
- Appearing in SSA-related court hearings to advocate for your right to receive disability benefits
We will keep you updated as your claim gets reviewed by the SSA and alert you about any new information we need to submit. If we receive notice that your claim was denied or you come to us with a denied claim, we can also take steps to start the appeals process with the SSA to have your case reviewed again.
Injured Workers Applying for SSD Benefits May Also Qualify for Workers’ Compensation
If you developed or incurred a disability as a result of a work-related accident, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. We can refer you to our North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers and help you prepare a claim to pursue compensation through your employer.
In some cases, injured workers can receive both workers’ compensation and SSD benefits, provided that both forms of aid do not exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings, per the SSA.
Who Qualifies for Disability Benefits Varies By the Program You’re Applying For
With Social Security Disability benefits, there are two programs that offer benefits to people with qualifying disabilities. These programs include:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefits program based on Social Security taxes you paid through qualifying employment. How much you receive is based on how long you worked in the recent years before sustaining your disability. Your eligibility, however, is based on the amount of the “work credits” you earned during that time, according to the SSA.
Other eligibility factors include:
- You have a total disability, meaning you can no longer perform work and your disability is expected to last at least a year or until you pass.
- You are legally blind.
- You are the widow or widower of a disabled person who received SSDI benefits.
- You are a disabled child or an adult child whose disability began before age 22.
Our legal team can discuss other eligibility requirements when reviewing your case.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI may qualify for SSI if they are:
- Of retirement age
- Have limited income and few assets or resources to meet their financial demands
- Have a total disability that will prevent them from working for at least a year or is expected to result in their death
- Partially or totally blind
When reviewing your case, our legal team can measure your resources and income to see if you qualify for SSI benefits.
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Our Client Reviews Give You a Glimpse Into Our Hard Work and Dedication
The clients we have helped obtain their Social Security Disability benefits are posting 5-star reviews for our team’s hard work and dedication. Lavonda, a Social Security Disability client wrote:
- “Andrea stuck with me to the end. I could always get through to her. Her staff was great and would always get right back with me. I wasn’t just “a file in a cabinet” and I was treated as if I was the only client.” – Lavonda
Another client had this to say:
- “Andrea made me feel very comfortable and let me know from the beginning that she really cares for her clients and their well being. She is very thorough and kept me well informed of what to expect. She was always available if I had questions concerning my case and she did not make me feel like I was bothering her. I have full confidence in Andrea. Thank you Andrea!” – Debbie, a Social Security Disability client
Please see more testimonials from our past clients and how we may be able to help you.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer in NC
If you are searching for a lawyer to help you get disability in North Carolina, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to learn more about how our team of attorneys can help you with your application or appeal. We have Social Security Disability lawyers who know what information to include in your application or appeal and guide you through the process.
Call (828) 286-3866 today for a free consultation. One of our team members will review your case and inform you of the next steps.